Jimbo Fisher weighs next steps for DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State after 0-2 start
When Florida State went to Ireland for its season opener, the Seminoles were ranked No. 10 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll. But after an 0-2 start, they now find themselves out of the rankings and facing questions about the next steps for DJ Uiagalelei and the offense.
Former FSU coach Jimbo Fisher pointed out the need for Mike Norvell to avoid rushing any decisions at quarterback. After all, he’s working with Uiagalelei for the first time, and that adds to the toughness of any upcoming decisions.
Fisher assessed Florida State’s situation during his regular appearance on SiriusXM with Jacob Hester and EJ Manuel. Manuel asked about how hard those decisions are with NIL in mind after Uiagalelei transferred from Oregon State, and Fisher said it shouldn’t have any impact. Instead, it should only be about what happens on the field.
“The NIL can’t factor into how he’s playing in a game and when to lose him,” Fisher said. “You can’t as a coach. I still think you’ve got to give a guy a chance to play in a game because like I say – myself, as a player, I had a couple tough quarters and then, all of a sudden, pick it up.
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“And also, knowing who he is and what he is. I think that’s the other part of it, they don’t know each other. It’s the first time they’ve ever been together … when the lights are on. Is he a guy that comes out of it? Is he not a guy that comes [out of it]? You can’t let the NIL be a factor in how you decide on somebody because if that’s the factor, then it was wasted anyway. But it is tough, listen, because you want to give guys opportunities. Just because they make a mistake, you can’t pull them. But at the end of the day, it is what it is. You’ve got to make adjustments, you’ve got to make things.”
Jimbo Fisher: Mike Norvell will ‘get it right’
Fisher also expressed his faith in Norvell, who led Florida State to its first ACC title since his 2014 team won the championship behind Jameis Winston. But he also noted the calls he has to make going forward, which is an important part of leadership.
“Listen, Mike’s a heck of a coach,” Fisher said. “I believe that 1,000% – I think he’s one heck of a football coach, I really do. I think he’s a great guy, but I think he’s a very good coach. He’ll get it right, but they’ve got some very tough decisions. I’m gonna say this, sitting on this end of the mic’s easier than sitting on that side of the mic this time of year. Been there a lot. It is.
“Each player – I always say this about leadership. It’s easy to lead the masses. It’s hard, how they affect each individual when you make decisions. That’s the one thing about leadership that’s really hard. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to do what’s best for everybody.”